Elkington & Co. King's Pattern Silver-Plated Table Spoon
Flatware (Serving/Table Spoon) · Elkington & Co., Birmingham, England. Founded by George and Henry Elkington in the 1830s, they were the pioneers of the commercial electroplating process and boasted multiple Royal Warrants.
Pattern: King's Pattern. Originally designed in the early 19th century, this remains one of the most prestigious and popular patterns in British tableware, characterized by its honeysuckle and shell motifs.
Type
Flatware (Serving/Table Spoon)
Maker
Elkington & Co., Birmingham, England. Founded by George and Henry Elkington in the 1830s, they were the pioneers of the commercial electroplating process and boasted multiple Royal Warrants.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). High-quality base metal (nickel, copper, and zinc) coated with a layer of pure silver using the electroplating process.
Dimensions
Approximately 20-22 cm (8-9 inches) in length; weight typically ranges from 85 to 110 grams.
Description
A stately example of Victorian industrial excellence, this King's Pattern spoon by Elkington & Co. showcases the height of electroplating technology. The pattern remains a hallmark of formal British dining, featuring opulent scrolls and the classic shell terminal that symbolized status in the mid-19th century.
Key Features
Elkington's specific crowned shield mark, the 'S' date code from 1856, and the crisp definition of the honeysuckle and scroll ornamentation.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). High-quality base metal (nickel, copper, and zinc) coated with a layer of pure silver using the electroplating process.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with die-struck ornamentation. Features the iconic King's Pattern shell and scroll motif on the terminal and shoulders.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Left to right: '1' (size/quality indicator), 'E&Co' in Gothic shields (Maker's mark), 'E', '&', 'Co' (Company name), 'S' in a circle (Date letter for 1856), and the Elkington crowned shield mark with '6075' (Internal pattern or manufacturing code).
Construction Details
Machine-stamped/die-struck from sheet metal, subsequently electroplated. The crispness of the details indicates high-quality industrial steel dies.
Functional Features
Deep ovoid bowl for serving or soup; weighted terminal for balance; high durability for daily formal use.
Handle & Grip Details
Fiddle-thread and shell shape terminal; solid construction with no visible seams on the neck; ergonomic flared grip characteristic of Victorian dining.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. Precise die-striking results in superior detail compared to modern 'budget' versions of this pattern; the plating is exceptionally thick ('A1' quality).
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are consistent with mid-Victorian Elkington & Co. industrial standards. The specific sequence of Gothic letter shields and the documented 1856 date letter confirm its provenance.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, United Kingdom. Manufactured at the Newhall Street works, which was once the leading center for silver plating technology in the world.
Era & Period
Victorian Era (specifically mid-Victorian). The King's Pattern reflects the era's preference for Neoclassical and Rococo Revival opulence.
Age Estimate
C. 1856. The date letter 'S' in a circular cartouche corresponds to Elkington's dating system for the year 1856.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the democratization of luxury in the 19th century; electroplating allowed the emerging middle class to afford the 'look' of solid sterling silver at a fraction of the cost.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. Shows minor light surface scratches (swirls) consistent with age. Plating appears intact with no 'bleeding' of the base nickel silver. Marks are clear and legible.
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 USD. Value is driven by the maker's reputation and the popularity of the pattern, though plated pieces lack the scrap value of sterling.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid liquid dips which can strip the thin silver layer over time. Store in a flannel-lined drawer to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
King's Pattern pieces by Mappin & Webb or Christofle. While Mappin pieces use similar electroplating, Elkington pieces are generally more sought after by collectors of industrial history.
Interesting Facts
Elkington & Co. held the patent for electroplating; they even produced the luxury flatware for the RMS Titanic over 50 years after this specific spoon was made.